Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has been named winner of this year’s edition of the Nigeria Integrity and Anti-Corruption Award.

According to the award organisers, Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria, Governor Obiano earned the confidence of the judging panel for his commitment to public safety and security.

In the words of Dr. Dagogo Lawrence, a spokesman of the institute, “Governor Obiano has demonstrated that the challenge of securing of lives and property could be prioritised and achieved with prudent leadership and focused direction.”

Speaking further, he explained that “in a very short while in these times of insecurity he has eradicated armed robbery and kidnapping in Anambra State and people who could not return home under previous regimes in the state for fear of insecurity and kidnappings now throng the state on regular basis. This has given fillip to commercial activities and investment drive in the state.”

Dr. Lawrence explained that the award was instituted to “uphold and applaud the courage, determination and great strides that many individuals, companies, government agencies and other organisations have made in improving and integrating Good Governance, Integrity and Anti-corruption in the conduct of their businesses, professional or public service activities within and outside Nigeria.”

The award places responsibilities on the honourees as they are expected to renew their commitment to the ideals of good governance, transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. Not only are they to expect the same degree of commitment from colleagues, agents and other third parties but they are also expected to communicate such expectations.

“Our award winners and honourees provide a sense of hope and empowerment – they demonstrate that it is possible for Nigerians and people operating in Nigeria to conduct their affairs, businesses and offices in a manner that places premium on ethics, compliance, anti-corruption and integrity,” said Sir Agabaidu Jideani, a Director of the institute.

Speaking further, he observed that “Nigeria has paid and continues to pay huge costs in ‘reputational capital’ for corrupt practices both real and imagined. Consequently our country requires champions and role models who would illuminate the path to integrity and inspire others to action. By this award the honourees have been recognised as champions and role models.”

Honoured along with Governor Obiano are Senate President Senator David Mark; former Foreign Minister and Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Christopher Kolade; and late former First Lady, Dr. Maryam Babangida.

Others include the Exam Ethics Project, The Convention for Business Integrity, the Pan Atlantic University, Diamond Bank, The Nigerian Armed Forces & the Civilian JTF, as well as the late Professor Chike Obi.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano with an award plaque.

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